How Long Does a Stairlift or Ramp Installation Take?

One of the first things families ask us is whether an installation will disrupt their home for days.

The short answer: almost never. Most stairlift and ramp installations are completed in a single visit — often in just a few hours.

Here's what to expect for each service.

Stairlift Installation Time

Straight Stairlift: 2–4 Hours

A straight stairlift — installed on a staircase with no bends or landings — is our most common job.

From the moment our technician arrives, most straight installations are complete within 2 to 4 hours. That includes:

Mounting the rail to the stair treads
Installing the lift unit and seat
Testing the full range of motion
Walking you through how to use it safely

Many of our customers are surprised when we're packing up before lunchtime.

Curved Stairlift: 4+ Hours

A curved stairlift requires a custom-built rail fitted to the exact shape of your staircase — every bend, turn, and landing is measured precisely.

The installation itself typically takes one full day. However, because the rail is manufactured to your specific staircase after we take measurements, there's typically a lead time of 2–4 weeks before installation day.

The process looks like this:

Free in-home assessment — we measure your staircase
Custom rail is manufactured (2–4 weeks)
Installation day — typically ~4 hours

It takes a little longer to get there, but the end result is a lift that fits your stairs perfectly.

Ramp Installation Time

Standard Modular Ramp: 2–5 Hours

Aluminum modular ramps are designed for fast assembly. A single ramp — covering one set of steps at a home's entry — can often be installed in 2 to 3 hours.

Longer ramp systems with multiple sections or an intermediate landing typically take 3 to 5 hours.

One of our customers reached out while still in rehab recovering from a stroke. We assessed her home, provided a quote, and had the ramp fully installed two days before she came home. We are often able to accommodate quick turn-arounds.

What Affects Ramp Installation Time?

A few factors can add time to a ramp job:

Total height and run — longer ramps require more sections and take more time to configure
Entry layout — unusual porch designs, narrow side entries, or sloped ground may require custom planning
Ground conditions — uneven terrain sometimes requires additional leveling work

We'll give you an honest estimate of the timeline before we schedule anything.

What Happens on Installation Day?

Whether it's a stairlift or a ramp, here's what a typical installation day looks like with Able Home:

Our team arrives at the scheduled time with all equipment
We do the work — you don't need to do anything except let us in
We clean up completely before we leave
We walk you through everything — how to use it, safety features, what to do if something feels off
We answer your questions — no rushing out the door

We don't consider the job done until you're comfortable with how everything works.

Can You Stay Home During Installation?

Yes, absolutely. You don't need to vacate your home.

Our team works efficiently and respectfully. We treat your home the way we'd treat our own — and we tidy up completely when we're done. Ramps can also be done without anybody at the home, as all work will be done outdoors.

Ready to Get on the Schedule?

If you have a discharge date coming up, or you just want to know how quickly we can get this done — give us a call.

We serve all of Massachusetts, and in most cases we can schedule a free in-home estimate within a few days of your call.

Call us at 1-800-355-5451 or schedule a free consultation.

Proudly serving all of Massachusetts since 1996.